Cruising with infants or toddlers can be a fantastic family vacation — as long as you plan ahead.
We’ve cruised many times with grand and even great grandkids at a very young age. I marvel at the parents and their patience and ability to provide such a great time for their little ones.
It’s pretty easy for us as grandparents. We invite them to our cabin in the mornings. Well, we hear a little knock on our door and, “Papa?” They enjoy hanging out with hot chocolate and muffins. It’s a great start to the day and gives us memories to treasure!
Mom and dad, on the other hand, have the responsibility to ensure they are cared for. Here’s a comprehensive guide to make cruising smooth, safe, and fun with your little one!
If they don’t have a passport they need a state issued birth certificate to cruise on a closed-loop itinerary. Can be a photocopy. Does not need to be certified or have a raised seal.
CRUISING WITH INFANTS OR TODDLERS: WHAT TO KNOW
Age Requirements – check your cruise line for specific ages allowed
- Minimum age to cruise: Usually 6 months old.
- For cruises with 3+ consecutive sea days or transatlantic crossings, the minimum may be 12 months.
- Always check your cruise line’s policy.
WHAT TO PACK FOR BABY
Essentials:
- Enough diapers, wipes, and formula (these aren’t sold onboard and almost impossible to find in most ports)
- Swim diapers (required for splash zones; regular diapers not allowed in pools – Carnival DOES NOT allow non-potty trained babies even in swim diapers)check the cruise line policy
- Portable stroller or umbrella stroller
- Baby carrier for shore excursions
- Favorite snacks, pouches, and sippy cups
- Sunscreen
- Nasal spray, baby Tylenol/Motrin, and a small medical kit
The cabin walls are magnetic so you can bring magnetic toys or kids to play with on in walls.
SLEEPING & ACCOMMODATIONS
- Request a crib (limited supply, reserve early)or bring your own Pack N Play
- Many ships also offer bed rails for toddlers.
- Consider a balcony cabin so you can sit outside during naps or bedtime.
- Bring a blackout cover or travel tent (like a SlumberPod) for dark naps.
FOOD & DINING
- Most main dining rooms will:
- Provide high chairs
- Puree food on request (or bring your own pouches)
- Offer kid-friendly meals
- You can bring your own formula, baby food, and snacks onboard (check cruise line rules for liquids).
- You can order cereal, fruit, muffins, milk or juice from room service at no charge in the mornings
- You will find many kid friendly options at the buffet. Some cruise lines like MSC have specific buffet areas designated just for children.
I will never forget when we cruised with our grandson who had just turned a year old. He was so shy at first and such a picky little eater! The only thing he wanted was grapes. So momma ordered a cup of grapes. The first night, mom cut them in half for him and soon he was all smiles. This was before any time dining. The next night, when we went to the dining room, there was a nice little plate of grapes. They were all cut in half for him! It was like that every night of our cruise. The servers fell in love with him but he also fell in love them!
ENTERTAINMENT & CHILDCARE
Carnival Cruises:
- “At certain times, Turtles (tiny tots under 2 years of age) can join in the fun the other kids are having at Camp Ocean®. If your child is turning 2 years old during your cruise they are welcome to join our Penguin® group, ages 2 to 5. “
- For children under 2, there are specific times and drop-off options available
- Night Owls (babysitting) available for ages 6 months to 11 years for a fee (usually 10 PM to 1 AM).
- Dr. Seuss activities, toddler splash zones (if potty trained), character parades, and more!
Other lines offer:
- Nurseries for ages 6 months–3 years (Royal Caribbean, Disney, Norwegian)
- Toddler play sessions and age-appropriate toys/activities
IN PORT/EXCURSION TIPS
Chose options that are baby and toddler friendly with less walking, heat, or overstimulation. Beach days can be wonderful if you plan ahead and research your best options.
Baby Carrier or Stroller?
- Use a baby carrier for sandy or uneven terrain.
- Use a lightweight stroller for paved/shaded areas or excursions with long walks.
My granddaughter used a stroller that has the car seat attached to it. It also folded up nicely to store in the cabin or on shuttle rides.
Pack a Shore Bag
- Diapers, wipes, changing pad
- Sunscreen & sunhat
- Swimsuit, towel, and dry change of clothes
- Bottles/snacks/milk (bring more than you think!)
- Portable fan or cooling towel
- Blowup water floaties for the beach (cannot be used on the ship). Chose lightweight, cheap ones you can discard after using.
HEALTH & SAFETY TIPS
- Wash hands often. Use wipes to clean high chairs, tray tables, etc.
- Avoid over-scheduling — prioritize naps and quiet time.
- Consider bringing a baby gate or door stopper for balcony doors.
EMBARKATION/DISMBARKATION TIPS
- Be prepared to wait during long embarkation lines.
- Have all documents together to present to the staff and custom authorities.
- Have a dedicated diaper bag with all-day essentials easily accessible. Have snacks, bottles, toys, etc available.
- Use a cruise luggage tag holder on your pack n play, stroller, or other children’s equipment if you plan to check it with the porters
Some of our best cruising memories include being with the little ones. Watching them try to dance with the servers in the dining room, splashing in the ocean, and having time to sit cuddle while mom and dad go play!
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